Hello everyone, my name is Thomas Pietrantonio. I am 20 years old and I live in Florida. In about a year I will be starting RN training, but my main goal is to become a surgeon or an anesthesiologist. I was wondering if you have an RN degree can you go to med school from that? I'm kind of hazy in this area. Anyone with info or suggestions please help. Thank-you for your time and comments. Have a great day/night.
RN to Medical School?
some of your RN classes might count for things you'll need in med school. Nurses and doctors have different scopes of practice. Being a nurse might make you a better doctor you'll see who really does the work but doesn't get the credit.
pietrantonio and I have the same sentiments. I'm having doubts about nursing as premed. but docs have told me RNs can always proceed to medicine. we just have to take up some more prerequisites, though.
to cassioo: um..i don't quite understand what you said about "Being a nurse might make you a better doctor you'll see who really does the work but doesn't get the credit." mind if i ask for some enlightenment? thanks much!
to cassioo: um..i don't quite understand what you said about "Being a nurse might make you a better doctor you'll see who really does the work but doesn't get the credit." mind if i ask for some enlightenment? thanks much!
ok I'm a L&D nurse. Patient comes in (they might have called the doc and said they think they are in labor or came to ER or seldom come from doc's office) I assess them: history, physical exam, get lab work/results. Then call the doc and tell them what's going on. I then get an order which usually consists of "use routine labor orders" do whatever that is: start IV, induce/augment. Doc will show up within 4 hours walk in say hi if the water isn't broken and it's time he'll break the water..dictate then go back to the office...I assess the patients status at minium every 30 minutes. When it's time to have a baby I'm there the whole time (sometimes minutes sometimes a couple of hours) I call the doc when the baby is crowning he comes, puts on gown and gloves catches baby, cuts cord, sews up mom if needed says congratulations and leaves. I then clean up mom, clean up baby work on getting baby to breastfeed, keep assessing mom for bleeding, vitals etc. Get them up teach peri and breast care, baby care. Oh did I mention when mom wanted pain medication I got her ready called usually a CRNA who came and put in an epidural, monitored vitals every 3-5 minutes. It could go on and on. The thing is the nurse is with the patient 24/7 and they are usually the ones to catch any problems and notify the docs what is going on. Sometimes when I call I say, " this patient looks like they have a UTI here's the lab do you want to give XYZ?" Maybe the doc wouldn't track around bloody shoe covers all over the delivery/OR if they ever had to be the one cleaning it up...maybe they would still do it. Yes the doc went to more school but they couldn't do it without the nurses. Why does a doc have an office nurse? Why are the nurses in the hospital? Making the home health visits?
Yes there are docs that take lots of time with their patients but they aren't there usually in the middle of the night unless a nurse has called them.
Kind of get the idea now? Anyone else agree? disagree?
Yes there are docs that take lots of time with their patients but they aren't there usually in the middle of the night unless a nurse has called them.
Kind of get the idea now? Anyone else agree? disagree?
Having an RN can get you in to med school but you must go the BSN route. In order to get accepted to med school you must first have your BSN and meet the pre-reqs of the courses (usually science classes that are not included in an RN program). Some med schools look for a well rounded student... meaning that the student has experience in other life situations besides just the medical field. They look for students that are active outside of work/school as well. Having your BSN is really no different when you go to apply to school than if you have your BS in something else.
I know of a few nurses that have gone RN to Med school... most had there ADN and then went on to persue there BS in a totally different field.
Make sure that you are going into nursing for the right reasons. It is not the easiest stepping stone into a med school program. I dont know if you were planning on applying for med school right after you finish the program, take the pre-reqs, and MCATS or if you were planning on working in the nursing field for a while. If you are not planning on working in nursing it would make more sense to persue a different major that would be geared more toward your personal lifestyle and interests and make up the classes that are not included in that program.
<<From someone who has thought hard about going RN to med school down the line... but thinks that the actual hands on patient care is handled more by the RN so is sticking to that route>>
I know of a few nurses that have gone RN to Med school... most had there ADN and then went on to persue there BS in a totally different field.
Make sure that you are going into nursing for the right reasons. It is not the easiest stepping stone into a med school program. I dont know if you were planning on applying for med school right after you finish the program, take the pre-reqs, and MCATS or if you were planning on working in the nursing field for a while. If you are not planning on working in nursing it would make more sense to persue a different major that would be geared more toward your personal lifestyle and interests and make up the classes that are not included in that program.
<<From someone who has thought hard about going RN to med school down the line... but thinks that the actual hands on patient care is handled more by the RN so is sticking to that route>>
Years ago when I first went to college, I thought I wanted to be a doctor so I took all the pre-reqs for medical school. Now bear in mind, I had been working as a nurse's aide since age 16. After about three years of college, it dawned on me that I did not want to be a doctor because my heart was in being close to the patients = nursing. Not that all physicians lack compassion and true contact with their patients, but nurses are the people that know more about the patient than any physician. Nurses have a special piece in their heart that just isn't there in a physician. I would much rather have a nurse taking care of me when I am ill than a physician. Nurses simply have that special touch.
So give consideration to staying in nursing and if you are interested in anesthesia, consider being a nurse anesthetist.
As to your question of classes tranferring for medical school, there will still be many classes such as microbiology, advanced chemistry classes and others that are required for medical school that you will not get in nursing. All other basics apply toward your undergraduate degree.
I vote for staying in nursing. Once there, you're hooked for life.
So give consideration to staying in nursing and if you are interested in anesthesia, consider being a nurse anesthetist.
As to your question of classes tranferring for medical school, there will still be many classes such as microbiology, advanced chemistry classes and others that are required for medical school that you will not get in nursing. All other basics apply toward your undergraduate degree.
I vote for staying in nursing. Once there, you're hooked for life.
Hi Guys,
I am 20 years old and a single mom and I will start my pre-req's in may for ADN program and I won't be done until spring of 07'. RN is not want I to do for the rest of my life I want to go to medical school but right now being on a fix-income is not possiable but when my son reaches 10 or 11 years old I will be going back to school again. I been wanting to be a doctor since the 8th grade. In high school a had a 3.8GPA but i got pregnant at the age of 17 years old and I moved so many times that I went to get my GED but that didn't stop me from returning to school and when my son is older I will be going back to school to do the thing that I feel is for me.
Young and Ambitious
I am 20 years old and a single mom and I will start my pre-req's in may for ADN program and I won't be done until spring of 07'. RN is not want I to do for the rest of my life I want to go to medical school but right now being on a fix-income is not possiable but when my son reaches 10 or 11 years old I will be going back to school again. I been wanting to be a doctor since the 8th grade. In high school a had a 3.8GPA but i got pregnant at the age of 17 years old and I moved so many times that I went to get my GED but that didn't stop me from returning to school and when my son is older I will be going back to school to do the thing that I feel is for me.
Young and Ambitious
If you have a dream or goal, you will find your way to be there! Especially in USA, there are chances everywhere! i am 24 years old from Hong Kong with two children and a husband! I am a CNA now but i am finding my way up to become a RN!
[ QUOTE ]
cassioo said:
ok I'm a L&D nurse. Patient comes in (they might have called the doc and said they think they are in labor or came to ER or seldom come from doc's office) I assess them: history, physical exam, get lab work/results.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've been an LDRP RN for 25 yrs and what you describe sounds like the job description for a labor nurse not an obstetrician. Why would you expect them to do these things? That would be as incomprehensible as expecting the housekeeper to teach breastfeeding or evaluate the FM strip. We do different things and have different responsibilities and I, for one, don't want the physician's. I also will not accept responsibility beyond my scope of practice and if you feel that is what is required of you, you should speak up. But what you described sounds pretty typical of Labor Nurse scope.
cassioo said:
ok I'm a L&D nurse. Patient comes in (they might have called the doc and said they think they are in labor or came to ER or seldom come from doc's office) I assess them: history, physical exam, get lab work/results.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've been an LDRP RN for 25 yrs and what you describe sounds like the job description for a labor nurse not an obstetrician. Why would you expect them to do these things? That would be as incomprehensible as expecting the housekeeper to teach breastfeeding or evaluate the FM strip. We do different things and have different responsibilities and I, for one, don't want the physician's. I also will not accept responsibility beyond my scope of practice and if you feel that is what is required of you, you should speak up. But what you described sounds pretty typical of Labor Nurse scope.
If you are thinking of becoming a doctor, why are you thinking about RN school? Go straight into a pre-med program and start prepping for the MCATs.
Nursing and Medicine are two entirely different animals as far as education/cost/training goes.
One you can be done and practicing in 2-4 years, the other you're talking about an 8-12 year time committment.
Going into medicine is not something a lot of people decide to do and succeed at later in life or as a second career.
If you make up your mind that Med School is what you want, don't distract yourself with nursing.
Personally, I couldn't see spending that much time in school. Nursing was a quick entry point into healthcare.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com
Nursing and Medicine are two entirely different animals as far as education/cost/training goes.
One you can be done and practicing in 2-4 years, the other you're talking about an 8-12 year time committment.
Going into medicine is not something a lot of people decide to do and succeed at later in life or as a second career.
If you make up your mind that Med School is what you want, don't distract yourself with nursing.
Personally, I couldn't see spending that much time in school. Nursing was a quick entry point into healthcare.
Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com
I also will not accept responsibility beyond my scope of practice and if you feel that is what is required of you, you should speak up. But what you described sounds pretty typical of Labor Nurse scope.
[/ QUOTE ]
I wasn't saying I was doing anything out of my scope just what I do as a nurse. I think the original post was I want to be a doctor so I'll become a nurse first to become a doctor. When I said in another post become a RN and find out who does the work as I got the reply what do you mean who does the work....so to make a long story short I was saying in the L&D dept (as in others) the nurses do the work see the pts first hand and call the MD when needed and often it's a nurse who "suggests" to the MD what to do. Same answer I've given my father and husband when they've said why don't/didn't you go to medical school you're smart enough...because I like nursing it's different then MD and do you mean I'm too smart to be a nurse???? insults from everyone is all I get
[/ QUOTE ]
I wasn't saying I was doing anything out of my scope just what I do as a nurse. I think the original post was I want to be a doctor so I'll become a nurse first to become a doctor. When I said in another post become a RN and find out who does the work as I got the reply what do you mean who does the work....so to make a long story short I was saying in the L&D dept (as in others) the nurses do the work see the pts first hand and call the MD when needed and often it's a nurse who "suggests" to the MD what to do. Same answer I've given my father and husband when they've said why don't/didn't you go to medical school you're smart enough...because I like nursing it's different then MD and do you mean I'm too smart to be a nurse???? insults from everyone is all I get
Hey my name is Amber Carroll and I'm also a 20 year old from florida. You sound just like me. I am currently in LPN school and will transfer into the RN program. Like you, my goal is to become a surgeon. I'm pretty sure that you have to have a BS or BA to even get into Med School. Good luck!
Hi Amber Carroll, what LPN School are you in? Did you have a tough time with the pre-entrance requirements? I applied to the Charlotte Tech Center with high scores, but I'm also applying to Palm Beach Community College as well. Right now I am having a tough time finding material for the TEAS test they require. Just wondering if you have any insight or any schools in that area you might know of. Thanks much
I go to Galen Health Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida. The only pre-entrance requirements were an ACT score above 17 and SAT scores above 800 (if I remember correctly), or if you havn't taken them in the past 5 years you have to take their placement exam. They start new students every 3 months. As of right now the wait is 3-6 months, but it is so worth it! Galen Health is all about the clinical experience (you start clinicals in the 3rd week, compared to other LPN programs that start clinicals in the 3rd month). Here is Galen's website: www.galened.com check it out!
Actually, it's not difficult to do:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/becoming-a-doctor.htm
That site is very useful and provides a large amount of information on becoming a doctor.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
DustinD.
RN Student
http://www.howstuffworks.com/becoming-a-doctor.htm
That site is very useful and provides a large amount of information on becoming a doctor.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
DustinD.
RN Student
I was in an alternate entry MSN program at UT Austin. I completed the pre-licensure phase and have my license. I also have an MSW in administration from Texas State University in San Marcos. I was in the public health nursing track in the MSN program and quickly learned that it is the same thing I did in my MSW program. So, now I am an RN and I'm going to finish the BSN this May and I'm thinking about going to medical school. It is something I've wanted to do since I was eight years old. I don't know if I will make it or not, but I have to try because it is something I've always wanted to do but never thought I could. For lots of reasons I have much more confidence now and feel more prepared. I like nursing but I want to do more. I have thought about becoming an NP but I like and want the independence offered by being a physician. Nursing school was not hard. The only really challenging course was pathophysiology. I learned a lot!! OK, that's my situation. Any comments??
Charles Burt, RN
Charles Burt, RN
getting a nursing degree will get you into the health care field in 4 years or earlier.. but dont think that it is just a breeze. it requires a lot of knowledge, and passion to become a nurse.. now a day anyways isnurance companies are preffering nurse practitioner over doctors.. pts a prefering nurses over doctors for their care.. it is almost an insult to use this profession to step into something else.. because a lot of people go into this profession because of the passion, love and compassion it takes to do this job..
like most people said.. medicine is a different field from nursing.. different route of taking care of pts.. if you truely do choose to go on to become a doctor then going into nursing first WILL make you a better doctor and more compassionate because you will learn how to treat the pt not just the disease.. and by going straight through med school you wouldnt learn that type of care..
like most people said.. medicine is a different field from nursing.. different route of taking care of pts.. if you truely do choose to go on to become a doctor then going into nursing first WILL make you a better doctor and more compassionate because you will learn how to treat the pt not just the disease.. and by going straight through med school you wouldnt learn that type of care..
dorise04:
At your age, I would consider the military (either active or guard) as they have a number of programs for financial assistance/tuition assistance.
At your age, I would consider the military (either active or guard) as they have a number of programs for financial assistance/tuition assistance.
I want to be a surgeon also and I am 30 years old and would like to be a surgeon before I am 40 or at least in Residency. Do you think that a BA in nursing is the way to go or a BA in Science? I really need some answers. I feeel like and idiot, not knowing how to get to what I want. I am a mother of 3. I know it is going to be hard and very stressful. I have applied at a local college under Nursing, but wanted to find out the fastest way to get into Medical School. Can some please help who has been in college for a while and may have the answer to my question?
hello,
I just want to give my support to everyone applying to medical school through nursing. It makes so much sense in more ways than one. 1. there is always the possibility of actually not getting into the med school of your choice, so you always have something to fall back on thats the same field. 2. through nursing you learn MANY things you dont learn through pre-med or even medical school. With Nursing under your belt you will have the knowledge and the know-how of treating the patient emotionally, mentally and physically, connecting with the patient on a personal level, and you will have a basis of client centred care. I am currently enrolled in a BScN program...after I graduate, my plan is to apply to medical school, and various master level programs for the just-in-case I dont get into the medical school of my choice. Its really hard to do what you have always wanted to do and be realistic/practical. Going through Nursing is a mixture of both. Work hard, have fun, make friends and good luck with everything.
I just want to give my support to everyone applying to medical school through nursing. It makes so much sense in more ways than one. 1. there is always the possibility of actually not getting into the med school of your choice, so you always have something to fall back on thats the same field. 2. through nursing you learn MANY things you dont learn through pre-med or even medical school. With Nursing under your belt you will have the knowledge and the know-how of treating the patient emotionally, mentally and physically, connecting with the patient on a personal level, and you will have a basis of client centred care. I am currently enrolled in a BScN program...after I graduate, my plan is to apply to medical school, and various master level programs for the just-in-case I dont get into the medical school of my choice. Its really hard to do what you have always wanted to do and be realistic/practical. Going through Nursing is a mixture of both. Work hard, have fun, make friends and good luck with everything.
dorise04 wrote:Hi Guys,Okay you are 20 years old. you dropped out of school it sounds like.
I am 20 years old and a single mom and I will start my pre-req's in may for ADN program and I won't be done until spring of 07'. RN is not want I to do for the rest of my life I want to go to medical school but right now being on a fix-income is not possiable but when my son reaches 10 or 11 years old I will be going back to school again. I been wanting to be a doctor since the 8th grade. In high school a had a 3.8GPA but i got pregnant at the age of 17 years old and I moved so many times that I went to get my GED but that didn't stop me from returning to school and when my son is older I will be going back to school to do the thing that I feel is for me.
Young and Ambitious
have a son out of wedlock. I give you credit for wanting to improve your-
self but begin with the spelling as it is possible not possiable.
Hi, this message goes out to all of those like dorsi04. You can be and do anything you want if you put your mind to it. So your 20 and a single mom, so what. You can and will go to medical school if you work hard at it. Pay no mind to those I like to call the "dream killers". They are a bitter and jaded bunch that get their kicks from discouraging others. I am a single mother too. I will be graduating with a BSN in December 2007. This is my second bachelor's degree, my first was in psychology. My plan is to work as a nurse for about two years and during that time apply to medical school. I guess I am luckly because I have a couple of mentors that went back to medical and dental school later on in life. They have encouraged me tremendously. Remember this is your life and you have the power to make it what you want it to be and everyday is a fresh start. Take care and good luck to all of you who dare to step outside the box!
man this was brought back from the dead. great words of wisdom. very incouraging
Hi I'm 30 years old and a registered nurse.It's always been my desire to become anesthesiologist.I'm a state registered nurse working in new york state.I have a dipolma in nursing and a bachelors in business administration.I don't have any science background.I know i have to go to medical school for four years and take my residency program in anesthesia for four years.I've already applied for premedical
DustinD wrote:Actually, it's not difficult to do:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/becoming-a-doctor.htm
That site is very useful and provides a large amount of information on becoming a doctor.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
DustinD.
RN Student
Hi I'm 30 years old and a registered nurse.It's always been my desire to become anesthesiologist.I'm a state registered nurse working in new york state.I have a dipolma in nursing and a bachelors in business administration.I don't have any science background.I know i have to go to medical school for four years and take my residency program in anesthesia for four years.I've already applied for premedical course at a college in new york.Do you consider me too old to go to medical school.Sometimes my friends make fun of me that i will be getting nearer to my retirement age when i complete medical school.What do you think of my decision to go to medical school.I spoke to a friend of mine and she told me it will better to become a nurse anesthetic than becoming an anesthesiologist.Please advice me.Thank you.
DustinD wrote:Actually, it's not difficult to do:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/becoming-a-doctor.htm
That site is very useful and provides a large amount of information on becoming a doctor.
Good luck with your future endeavors.
DustinD.
RN Student
My ultimate goal is an M.D./Neuro Critical Care from Vanderbilt.
I opted to receive my RN and am pursuing my M.S.N. before going to medical school, as a personal choice. In order to facilitate my transition into medical school, I am completing my Pre-Med studies(B.S. NeuroScience), and intend to take the MCAT upon completion of the program in May.
You must take steps to enable a transition to medical school, be it dual degree(B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Biology, B.S. Biochem, B.S. NeuroScience, B.S. etc)., or 3 semester chemistry, 2 semester physics, calculus, etc.
I opted to receive my RN and am pursuing my M.S.N. before going to medical school, as a personal choice. In order to facilitate my transition into medical school, I am completing my Pre-Med studies(B.S. NeuroScience), and intend to take the MCAT upon completion of the program in May.
You must take steps to enable a transition to medical school, be it dual degree(B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Biology, B.S. Biochem, B.S. NeuroScience, B.S. etc)., or 3 semester chemistry, 2 semester physics, calculus, etc.
I am in the same boat. I am a 22 year old mother, wife and ADN student come Fall '08. I decided to go the RN route since it would benefit my career and lead me into CRNA. Eventually I would like to end up in Anesthesiology, but I don't know if I want to settle in Med or stay with my CRNA. I've weighed my options as far as school and my finances go and CRNA would be the better choice. Interpersonally, I believe if I were an MD, my contact with the patients would be limited, whereas a CRNA is there throughout the procedure and is in direct contact with the patients as far as what to expect, any side effects, etc. My uncle was a brilliant CRNA who taught me to follow my dreams and don't settle for anything less than what you think you can achieve. In reality, my decision my change once I've been a CRNA for a while and I might go MD. I see it this way, the more experience in all aspects of anesthesiology I have, the better MD I will be...if I so choose to end up an anesthesiologist. Decisions, Decisions. :33:
michelle wrote:hello,Exactly! You took the words out of my mouth. I know several waiters that got their Pre-Med BS and did not get into Med school. Today, they are still serving tables. As opposed to at least being a nurse.
I just want to give my support to everyone applying to medical school through nursing. It makes so much sense in more ways than one. 1. there is always the possibility of actually not getting into the med school of your choice, so you always have something to fall back on thats the same field. 2. through nursing you learn MANY things you dont learn through pre-med or even medical school. With Nursing under your belt you will have the knowledge and the know-how of treating the patient emotionally, mentally and physically, connecting with the patient on a personal level, and you will have a basis of client centred care. I am currently enrolled in a BScN program...after I graduate, my plan is to apply to medical school, and various master level programs for the just-in-case I dont get into the medical school of my choice. Its really hard to do what you have always wanted to do and be realistic/practical. Going through Nursing is a mixture of both. Work hard, have fun, make friends and good luck with everything.
Robert F wrote:My ultimate goal is an M.D./Neuro Critical Care from Vanderbilt.Wow, this thread started years ago and OP is no where to be found lol.
I opted to receive my RN and am pursuing my M.S.N. before going to medical school, as a personal choice. In order to facilitate my transition into medical school, I am completing my Pre-Med studies(B.S. NeuroScience), and intend to take the MCAT upon completion of the program in May.
You must take steps to enable a transition to medical school, be it dual degree(B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Biology, B.S. Biochem, B.S. NeuroScience, B.S. etc)., or 3 semester chemistry, 2 semester physics, calculus, etc.
How are you coming along? Could you give us an update on where you are at.
Thanx
Pre-Med is completed. I have one year left on my M.S.N., and will be taking the MCAT soon, and will subsequently be applying to Med School for Fall 10.
Sometimes early posters do get lost by the wayside; however, there have been several who came back after 2-3 years.
Hope this doesn't happen anymore!
Hope this doesn't happen anymore!